SENSES PLACES Dance-Technology Workshop 2

SENSES PLACES Dance-Technology Workshop 2

By Isabel Valverde and Todd Cochrane

Date: July 23 Time: 1pm-4pm

Physical site: Fridge Gallery Wellington Institute of Technology C Bloc, 23-27 Kensington Av., Petone, New Zealand Second Life© SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Koru/233/233/3005 Senses Places Blog: http://sensesplaces.wordpress.com

Workshop Description

The absurd state of substitution and instrumentalization of our human bodies by avatars in social networks such as Second Life@, confronts us with the limitation of punching keys to control their moves and communication, as well as their gender and dance behavior stereotypification.

This workshop fosters new modes of mixed reality interaction with virtual bodies (avatars and video mediation) based on somatic practices, such as, Body-Mind Centering, Tai Chi and Contact Improvisation, which open up our kinesthetic sensing and thinking through witnessing within oneself and with others, gravity, space and time. Creative experimentation of movement interaction is based on the critical analysis of different types of game interfaces, including the Wiimote, and the Kinect. We will critically analyze these interfaces through an aesthetic-artistic experimentation with a view for alternative possibilities.

Isabel Valverde is a trans-disciplinary performer, choreographer and scholar from Portugal. Develops experimental solo and collaborative intermedial performance art/dance work since 1986. Graduated in Dance Theory and History (UCR), Interdisciplinary Arts (SFSU), New Dance (SNDD/AHK) and Dance (FMH/UTL), Isabel’s doctoral thesis, Interfacing Dance and Technology: a theoretical framework for performance in the digital domain, is published in Portuguese (FCG/FCT, 2010). Working with somatic oriented choreography in an actualization-virtualization continuum, Valverde’s present postdoctoral research in Dances and Technologies (BPD/FCT) at the Institute of Humane Studies and Intelligent Sciences and VIMMI/INESC-ID, includes performance practice-theory, collaborating in cross-realities and cultures participatory performance environments. She is the co-founder and facilitator of the CILxJam, Contacto Improvisação Lisboa Jam since 2006. http://contactoimprovisaçaolxjam.blogspot.com http://isabelcvalverde.blogspot.com

Todd Cochrane is an experienced educator using MUVEs and a computer technologist who runs the HCI, web development and programming principles classes at the Wellington Institute of Technology, in Wellington New Zealand. He is an expert software developer who has experience with 3D web cam to Virtual World data transfer. Todd is studying towards a Ph. D. in Education on How to use MUVEs effectively in vocational contexts.

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